This article first appeared in the February 2025 issue of ProPack.pro, authored by Platypus Print Packaging’s Aaron Lusch

Reflecting on 2024, we’ve seen significant changes in the fibre packaging industry, filled with both challenges and advancements. There’s no doubt that the biggest trend impacting the packaging industry is the increasing demand from consumers for more sustainable packaging.

This has resulted in brands choosing to move away from plastic-based packaging by swapping over to paper- and fibre- based packaging, creating a surge in paper-made products. Brands are also realising that the move towards fibre packaging better meets their sustainability goals and National Packaging Targets.

However, there is a downside when it comes to some other influences impacting the industry. It’s difficult to gauge what the Trump tariffs, unrest in the Middle East, and evolving situations in regard to the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation and what that might mean for our industry here, in A/NZ, but one thing is clear: uncertainty requires businesses to be flexible.

Despite facing rising costs of materials and operating costs, ongoing skilled labour shortages, and various economic pressures, overall, our industry has shown resilience in navigating these challenges.

As we step into 2025, the packaging industry will continue to face these challenges and opportunities.

By focusing on sustainability, embracing automation, and investing in workforce development, we can build a stronger, more resilient future together.

To stay competitive, businesses need to embrace proactive strategies to get ahead of the curve.

Going into 2025, as the demand for eco-friendly print and packaging solutions continues to rise, companies need to step up their focus on sustainability. Those that do not, risk getting left behind. This means looking at ways to offer more eco-friendly options and having conversations with clients about what switching to fibre-based packaging may look like for their organisations in terms of performance, cost, and availability.

As consumers increasingly seek sustainable options, the industry also has a fantastic opportunity to get creative with design and materials. By targeting niche markets and offering sustainable packaging solutions, businesses can really set themselves apart.

By analysing each segment’s behaviours, characteristics and preferences, converters can customise their products, services and strategies to fit specific needs. This targeted approach will enable them to drive profitability, boost market penetration and improve customer satisfaction, resulting in overall business growth.

Converters can also become more sustainable by committing to tracking and reducing their own Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, exploring renewable energy sources, and implementing energy-saving measures. They can embed sustainability into their operations through green printing initiatives too.

Another point of focus for businesses in 2025 should be working hard and smart to improve efficiency – all while maintaining the quality and delivery expectations of clients.

Having attended drupa in 2024, I noticed considerable investment being made into technology by local businesses at and following the show. There continues to be a strong push for innovation in products and production methods, particularly leveraging Industry 4.0 technologies and robotics to keep up with market demands.

Technological advancements in robotics and automation will help enhance efficiency and maintain the competitiveness of the packaging industry in Australia.

In addition, industry players need to further invest in workforce development with meaningful training initiatives.

From my many discussions with local business leaders, it seems as though several have expanded apprenticeship programmes to bring in and nurture skilled talent. This is a necessary step to develop a young workforce for the digital age.

It also brings into business a fresh set of talent and ideas.

At Platypus Print Packaging, we understand that packaging is our core and it’s all about doing that better and being more efficient. We see a lot of growth opportunities from our existing customers through sustainability, with plastics being on the nose and fibre packaging being in. So, there are opportunities for us to grow.

Let’s keep collaborating and innovating as we adapt to new demands and strive for positive change within our sector and beyond. Here’s to making 2025 a year of sustainable growth and meaningful progress for our industry. There are plenty of exciting opportunities on the horizon.